Equine Racetrack Management Degree Program

Edward Ferguson, Ph.D., chair of the Equine Department

1. How long will it take to complete this degree?
The A.S. in Equine Racetrack Management is a 2-year degree and students will take SMWC Woods A.S. core courses (30 credit hours) along with classes (30 credit hours) focused on racetrack management. Currently, there are only two other options for formal training for racetrack management; one is a four-year bachelor’s degree and a 2-year online certificate in Thoroughbred Racetrack Management. SMWC wanted to find a place in between by providing an A.S. (2-year degree), but unlike a certificate, these courses can be used to complete a B.S. (4-year degree) at a later date. This program can provide training that is applicable for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Tracks.

2. What will I learn in the racetrack management courses?
Chris Warren has designed these courses to cover what a racetrack is, how many and where Thoroughbred and Quarter horse racetracks are operating in the US, how the racetrack works, its importance to the local community, the functional offices within the racing administration as well as the roles within each of those offices and how their duties are executed. Students will also be required to do an internship at a racetrack as part of their educational training – this will provide a measure of on-the-job experience.

3. How will these courses be taught?
This degree will be an online degree – so there will be no need for a prospective student to reside in Indiana or take a course on campus. SMWC is one of the oldest online education providers in the country and excels in online education. Therefore, the SMWC core curriculum will be available online as well as the racetrack management courses. The racetrack management online courses will provide each student with the course information and include recorded and live discussions with Chris Warren. Also, the instructors will all have available office hours for virtual office appointments.

4. How can I get an internship at a racetrack if I don’t know anyone in racetrack administration?
Chris Warren, with his extensive racetrack experience and wealth of current contacts at racetracks across the country, will help students set up internship experiences. These can be at the nearest track to the student’s residence, or if they are willing to travel can be at preferred places of employment.

5. What racetracks would I be qualified for employment?
After completing this degree plan, students will be qualified to work at any racetrack in North America that has Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse or a mixed meet. Students may be qualified to work at harness racetracks if students are willing to complete some additional training with the tracks.

6. Do I need previous horse experience?
Although previous horse experience would help students relate better with many of the people they will encounter at a racetrack, previous horse experience will not be required to work in the racing office.

7. Will Federal Financial Aid apply to this degree plan?
Yes, SMWC is a fully accredited College with degree plans evaluated by the Higher Learning Commission and enrolled students (including online students) will be eligible for federal financial assistance.

8. What happens if I work in the racing administration and later on want to further my education by completing a Bachelor of Science?
That is exactly what this degree plan was designed to facilitate! If a student is employed and decides they would like to obtain a bachelor’s degree to improve their salary or expand their employment opportunities, they already have a 2-year A.S. degree, and we have included some business administration courses relevant to racing office experience. Therefore, graduates can complete their B.S. in Business Management from SMWC online by completing additional credit hours to earn their bachelor’s degree.

9. With this degree, are there opportunities to broaden my employment options at a racetrack outside of horse racing administration?
When I was at Delta Downs, I discussed with John Simon (Director of Racing for Delta and Evangeline Downs) that graduates of this program with a few years of experience in the racing office would have chances to apply for management positions at track-based casinos. Thus, there can be a large number of employment avenues at the track that don’t “have to be” in the racing office.

10. Do I need to be a citizen of the United States to complete this degree?
This degree plan is completely online, and SMWC is a private college with no out-of-state fees for attending. Therefore, potential students can be citizens anywhere in the world can earn an  A.S. in Racetrack Management.